Overview
Scholarship Name: Gerda Henkel Foundation Research Scholarship (General Research Grants Programme)
Funding Amount: Varies (covers full-time research scholarship, travel, materials, student assistant support, family allowance, etc.)
Description
Scholarship Name: Gerda Henkel Foundation Research Scholarship (General Research Grants Programme)
Funding Amount: Varies (covers full-time research scholarship, travel, materials, student assistant support, family allowance, etc.)
Degree Level: Postdoctoral and advanced researchers (PhD holders)
Subjects: Historical Humanities (Archaeology, History, Historical Islamic Studies, Art History, History of Law, Prehistory & Early History, History of Science)
Nationality: Open to all nationalities worldwide
Country of Research: Germany (research stays abroad also supported)
Funding Duration: 1 month to 24 months
Deadline: November 20, 2026
Notification: Not specified (check with foundation)
Additional Information
Scholarship At A Glance
Scholarship Name: Gerda Henkel Foundation Research Scholarship (General Research Grants Programme)
Funding Amount: Varies (covers full-time research scholarship, travel, materials, student assistant support, family allowance, etc.)
Degree Level: Postdoctoral and advanced researchers (PhD holders)
Subjects: Historical Humanities (Archaeology, History, Historical Islamic Studies, Art History, History of Law, Prehistory & Early History, History of Science)
Nationality: Open to all nationalities worldwide
Country of Research: Germany (research stays abroad also supported)
Funding Duration: 1 month to 24 months
Deadline: November 20, 2026
Notification: Not specified (check with foundation)
Degree Level
Postdoctoral researchers (PhD holders)
Advanced researchers with equivalent qualifications
Doctoral candidates – must apply under the separate PhD Scholarship category (not the standard Research Scholarship)
Available Subjects
The Gerda Henkel Foundation primarily supports projects within:
Archaeology
History
Historical Islamic Studies
Art History
History of Law
Prehistory and Early History
History of Science
Note: Applications from neighboring disciplines may also be considered if the core research question is clearly historical in nature.
Benefits
The scholarship package is designed to allow experienced researchers to dedicate themselves fully to scholarly work without employment obligations. Benefits may include:
Full-time research scholarship funding (amount varies by experience level and location)
Support for research periods ranging from 1 to 24 months
Travel assistance
Material and research expenses
Student assistant support where required
Monthly family allowance (where applicable)
Additional monthly support for research stays abroad (where applicable)
Important: You may not receive a salary or pension while holding the scholarship. The funding is intended to replace employment income during the research period.
Eligible Nationalities
Country of Residence: No restriction – you may apply regardless of where you live
Institutional Affiliation: Not required – you do not need to be employed by a university or research institution at the time of application
This makes the Gerda Henkel Scholarship exceptionally accessible to independent researchers worldwide.
General Requirements
Hold a PhD or equivalent advanced academic qualification
Apply for a project with clear historical relevance
Commit to full-time research during the funding period
Not receive a salary or pension while holding the scholarship
Special Requirements for Postdoctoral Researchers
PhD must normally have been awarded within the previous ten years
Doctoral dissertation must already be published
Proposed project must differ substantially from your PhD topic
Previous Gerda Henkel research scholarships must have ended at least five years before a new application
If your last proposal was rejected, you must wait at least three years before applying again
Previously rejected projects cannot be resubmitted
Why This Scholarship Stands Out
In a funding environment increasingly tied to institutional partnerships and predefined research themes, the Gerda Henkel Foundation continues to support researcher-driven inquiry. The program allows scholars to pursue original questions in historical humanities while receiving financial support that can cover both research activities and related academic costs.
For historians, archaeologists, legal historians, historians of science, and scholars working on historically oriented interdisciplinary projects, this scholarship remains one of Europe's most prestigious independent research funding opportunities.
Application Procedure
Step 1: Determine Your Funding Category
Select the correct funding stream:
Research Scholarship (individual, no salary)
Research Project (with team or material needs)
PhD Scholarship (for doctoral candidates)
Clear historical relevance
Originality and scholarly significance
Feasibility within the requested funding period (1–24 months)
Substantial difference from your PhD topic (for postdocs)
Step 3: Gather Supporting Documents
Typical requirements include:
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
List of publications
PhD certificate and proof of dissertation publication
Detailed research proposal and work plan
Budget breakdown
Letters of recommendation (usually 2–3)
Timeline for the research period
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
Deadline: November 20, 2026
Submission Portal: Via the Gerda Henkel Foundation's online application system (check official website)
Step 5: Await Review
The Foundation evaluates applications primarily on:
Quality of the proposed research
Historical relevance
Applicant's qualifications and track record
Frequently Asked Questions Faqs
Can I apply if my PhD was awarded more than 10 years ago? The Foundation states that the PhD "must normally have been awarded within the previous ten years" for postdoctoral applicants. However, "normally" suggests exceptions may be made in special circumstances (e.g., career breaks, family responsibilities, or military service). You should contact the Foundation directly at info@gerda-henkel-stiftung.de to discuss your situation before applying.
Do I need an invitation or affiliation with a German university to apply? No. Unlike many German scholarships, the Gerda Henkel Foundation does not require applicants to have an institutional affiliation or a host university invitation. Independent scholars and researchers not employed by any institution are welcome to apply. However, having a supporting letter from a recognized academic institution may strengthen your application.
Can doctoral candidates apply for the Research Scholarship? No. Doctoral candidates are not eligible for the standard Research Scholarship category. They must apply under the separate PhD Scholarship program offered by the same Foundation. Be sure to visit the Gerda Henkel Foundation website for the specific PhD scholarship guidelines and deadline (which may differ from the November 20, 2026 deadline mentioned above).
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Funding
Partial Funding
Organization
Germany Universities
Degree
PhD
Subjects
History, Archaeology
Nationality
International Students
Country
Germany
Source
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